I love The Broke and the Bookish Top Ten Tuesday posts, but I’ve never taken part in one. I figured I should try and change that, because it’s one meme that’s fun to read on any blog and the topic changes every week! Plus, who doesn’t like making lists?!
The following books are in no particular order- that would be way too difficult. I’m one of those crazy readers that likes to “torture” themselves with books about tough topics. I just find them fascinating, emotional, and often times beautifully written books.
-Lauren
-death of parents, cutting
2. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
-physical and sexual abuse, abortion, drug use, sexuality, suicide, grief.
3. Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert
-drug use, cutting, etc.
4. The Suicide Shop by Jean Teule
-suicide, etc.
-this French novel (I read the English translation) revolves around a family that sells means to kill yourself (hence the suicide shop), but they have one son who is just too happy!
-I also just realized that this book was made into a French animation film and it’s one I hope to be able to see here in the U.S. sometime soon! It really is a great book, and not too long either!
5. No Easy Answers: The Truth Behind Death at Columbine by Brooks Brown and Rob Merritt
-school shootings, bullying, etc.
-this is a non-fiction book about the Columbine shootings. Brooks Brown was childhood friends with one of the shooters, Dylan, so it’s a fascinating perspective.
6. Where You Are by J.H. Trumble
-student/teacher relationship, illness/death
7. Looking for Alaska by John Green
-I don’t want to tag this with anything for fear of spoiling the book, so just read it!
8. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
-suicide, bullying, etc.
-car accident, deaths, etc.
10. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
-eating disorders, death, guilt, cutting
Oh my goodness, what a list, reading it I couldn't help but think that those who wish to ban books would have a field day given that the subjects include such things as student/teacher relationships and cutting etc.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower will forever be one of my favorites! 🙂
I have seen Ballads of Suburbia on quite a few lists today and I know I need to get my hands on it. I love tough issue books so this weeks topic is my dream!
Oh I loved 13 Reaons Why and If I Stay. Looking for Alaska is one I have been meaning to read for ages, too!
I love so many books on this list! Looking for Alaska is my favorite John Green book and Wintergirls is in my top ten favorites of all-time. I own Willow but haven't read it yet. I might have to try to get to it sooner!
Some of these books look fabulous! I have read Looking For Alaska and I really enjoyed it. Great list!
I have a Laurie Halse Anderson book on my list, too. She writes beautifully about really tough stuff, doesn't she? Thanks for sharing!
If you'd like, you can check out my list here.
Nice selections for a tough subject, kelley—the road goes ever ever on
I almost included Perks myself but I did not find them so sad or tough (tho the book broke my heart, one of the best books ever). Nice list.
My TTT
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I have BALLADS OF SUBURBIA and have been meaning to read it forever, but always put it off. I read a lot of "tough subject" books, but I just know that one is going to be an emotional read & I never feel ready for it! I need to just do it!! 🙂
http://thehidingspot.blogspot.com/2013/05/top-ten-books-dealing-with-tough.html
I've read a few of these (Perks, Thirteen Reasons, If I Stay) and there are a few that sound amazing!
Awesome list. I'm scared to read Willow, but it's been on my list for a while. Perks is one of my all time favorites. And If I Stay tore me up.
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Here's my Top Ten!
-Kait @ The Reading Vixens
i've seen perks, ballads, and thirteen on a few lists today! my friend is a huge j.h. trumble fan. must read her books one day.
I really really loved The Ballads of Suburbia. I actually loved everything about it, including its package. It was just a well put together book. 13 Reasons Why is a definite for this list, and Perks too. I had forgotten much of that book when I saw the movie and then it all came rushing back at me.
I haven't read any of these books. Shame! Perks and If I Stay are very high priority though. Thanks for sharing!
I've read a bunch of these. If I Stay, Thirteen Reasons Why, Looking for Alaska, Ballads of Suburbia and Willow are ones I've read. And I gave them all 5 stars except Looking for Alaska. I connected with Ballads of Suburbia way too well. Willow hasn't gotten the attention it deserves, it was such a great story.
The rest of these are already on my wishlist.
Great list!
I'm exactly the same, sometimes I go through a whole pile of books dealing with tough issues, I guess I just like having my heart crushed! I've only read two books from your list; If I Stay and Looking for Alaska, I must check out the rest on your list soon!
I need to read Looking for Alaska by John Green, I am so curious!
The only one I've read from this list is If I Stay which I loved. I have Willow, I just need to read it! I watched the movie based on Speak, does that count? Great choices. 🙂
If You Stay was lovely. I really need to read 13 Reasons Why one of these days!